This rug has a multitude of subtle colors woven into the basic black. The color combo combined with the great textured design, makes for a rug that is way beyond "basic black". It is a great looking rug. I would give this rug five stars were it not for two draw backs: 1) the fuzz shedding that's still happening some two weeks after putting the rug into use (and vacuuming every other day); and 2) the black dye rubs off on socks, bare feet, and other items. We put this rug in my daughter's bedroom and the bottom of her pink bedroom slippers are now very stained from the rug and the stain is transferring from the slippers onto her pink bathroom rug. This rug would definitely be best in a den or formal living room area.